Muhammad Waseem (Source:X)In a significant development, the UAE is all set to host Ireland in a two-match T20I series. The first match is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, followed by the second match on Saturday, January 31.Both T20I matches against Ireland will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, giving the UAE an opportunity to get enough practice time before travelling to the subcontinent.This series serves as an important preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.UAE names T20I Squad for Ireland seriesUAE captain Muhammad Waseem will lead the side in this home series, hoping to give his team some momentum before the mega event.Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu is expected to play an important role in the series, The UAE will also depend on recent performers Rahul Chopra, Simranjeet Singh, Harshit Kaushik, and Muhammad Jawadullah.The bowling department will be led by the Haider Ali, alongside Muhammad Rohid and Junaid Siddique.The UAE had a mixed 2025, winning 11 out of 23 matches but losing 12. While they managed victories against teams they were expected to beat, they struggled against stronger opposition. Despite this, the team gained valuable experience from tournaments like the Asia Cup, which should help them in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.UAE's schedule for T20 World Cup 2026It is important to note that the UAE secured its spot in the T20 World Cup via the Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in October 2025. It is important to note that the UAE has not announced its squad for the T20 World Cup.The UAE will compete in Group D at the World Cup 2026. Their first match is against New Zealand in Chennai on February 10, followed by matches against Canada on February 13, Afghanistan on February 16, and South Africa on February 18 in Delhi. Additionally, the team will play two official warm-up matches against Nepal on February 3 and Italy on February 6.On the other hand, Ireland will arrive in Dubai with some confidence. The team recently played a three-match T20I series against Italy, winning 2-1. They are looking to continue their good form against the UAE and finalise strategies ahead of the T20 World Cup.Ireland are in Group B for the World Cup, with all their matches set to be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Their fixtures include matches against Sri Lanka (February 8), Australia (February 11), and Oman (February 14).UAE's squad for Ireland seriesUAE Squad: Muhammad Waseem (capt), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Basil Hameed, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wk), Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan and Simranjeet Singh.Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Joshua Little, Curtis Campher, Tim Tector
